PlayStation 4 Still Has Free Online Features Without PS+, Sony Explains

Sony Worldwide Studios Boss Shuhei Yoshida has explained that the next-generation PlayStation 4 being produced by Sony for Holiday 2013 release in the United States will feature “asynchronous online gameplay” for free (without the requirement of PlayStation Plus). He detailed what types of information can be transferred between players who don’t own a PlayStation Plus subscription but are still playing games like DriveClub with an internet connection. See his comments below regarding the matter:

“I apologize for the financial burden on our users, but on PS4 it’ll also provide early access to beta versions, free games and discounts like on PS3 and PS Vita. In addition to that PS Plus members will receive for free a special edition with slightly reduced functions of DriveClub.”

“While direct competition in real time won’t be possible [without PS Plus] for instance in the case of DriveClub, asynchronous online gameplay and receiving data from other players will still be free of charge.”

Of course, as players have already learned from the Sony Press Conference announcement at E3 2013, Yoshida continues to explain the downside to the growing-in-popularity PlayStation Network’s newest PS+ edition for Sony PS4:

“You will need it to enjoy online multiplayer. This will also depend on the judgement by the publishers, and there will be some free to play titles that you’ll be able to play without needing a PS Plus subscription, like PlanetSide 2 and DC Universe Online.”

Overall this announcement shows that PlayStation 4 is still a good investment even for gamers who have still not yet to take part in the PlayStation Plus movement. Without online multiplayer, most gamers will be opting to join the PS+ campaign which also includes free games and access to beta tests. It’s good to know there’s still something to do in those few days before committing to such a service though.

Editor’s Note: RealGamerNewZ has moved web servers, some older posts can no longer be commented on and have been preserved without their images. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. This article was written by Jon Ireson on 20130618 and was last modified on 20130618 .